American Accent Training: Vowel to Vowel Linking

When a word ending in a vowel is followed by a word with a vowel, we often link the words together by inserting an extra “y” or “w” sound.  You are sounds like you-ware.  He is sounds like he-yis.

The pattern is as follows:  

1)  When the word ends with vowel ee /i/, vowel ay /e/, or diphthong ai /aɪ/ or oy /oɪ/, insert a “y” sound before the next vowel. 

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He is sounds like he-yis
She ate sounds like she-yate
They are sounds like they-yare
Say it sounds like say-yit
I am sounds like I-yam
Buy it sounds like buy-yit
Boy is sounds like boy-yiz

Pattern One: Y

2)  When the word ends with vowel oo /u/ or vowel o /o/, insert a “w” sound before the next vowel.

You are sounds like you-ware
Do it sounds like do-wit
New offer sounds like new-woffer
Go out sounds like go-wout
No exit sounds like no-wexit
Show it sounds like show-wit

Pattern 2: W

Listen to the phrases above.  First they are pronounced separately, then linked.  Practice running the words together for a more natural, American-sounding pronunciation.

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